Tooth grinding or bruxim is a relatively common disorder that people are often unfamiliar with. Perhaps this is due to the fact that is it hard to personally diagnose. A person can suffer from this condition for many years and not know about it until the physical signs manifest. Bruxism could be occurring for numerous reasons, for instance some people may grind or clench their teeth or release stress. As you might imagine, this disorder can be aggravated by an improper bite or other orthodontic problems. Regardless, grinding often occurs during the night time. If left uncontrolled, you may have to pay the Lumineers cost to get your smile repaired.
Dentists attempting to diagnose the condition often ask their patients to discuss the issue with their significant other, who may be hearing noises congruent to clenching in the middle of the night. The easiest way to diagnose this condition is by examining the contours of the teeth for any signs of abrasion and leveling. Depending on the severity of the bruxism, the person may be missing a minimal to a large amount of tooth enamel from their front teeth. Other visual cues may be present as well, such as biting marks on the molar. Nevertheless, if for any reason you suspect you may have bruxism you should inform your dentist immediately. There is much more to treatment than being outfitted with a cosmetic device like snap on smile.
Treatment of bruxism is aimed at cushioning the contact points between your upper and bottom teeth such that precious tooth enamel is no longer grinded away. This can be accomplished by wearing a mouth guard during the night. The patient should also explore alternative methods, such as treating the root of the problem (ie. Stress or anxious feelings) with a qualified professional. The unsightly results of bruxism can often be treated with porcelain veneers. However, if the patient fails to seek treatment after restorative work is complete these restorations will suffer from fracturing, rendering the investment a total loss.